Premier League matchweek 25: 5 most embarrassing performances

Manchester United’s central midfield fails to show up

An 2-0 loss at Wembley to an in-form Tottenham team may not be an embarrassing scoreline for Manchester United in and of itself. However, the manner in which United played, especially in the center of the field, was embarrassing. The result was never in doubt and Spurs looked like they could have added on to the score line at will.

The midfield duo of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba put on a uninspired performance at best. Pogba looked lost on the field and failed to provide support for either the three attacking midfielders or his partner, Matic. The Frenchman looked apathetic and it seemed like a midweek league game of soccer was one of the last things he preferred to do.

Pogba’s lackluster effort left Matic largely exposed and outnumbered as Spurs came surging up the field. However the Serbian defensive midfielder failed to acquit himself of basic tasks required of a United midfield player. He was repeatedly beaten one-on-one and easily gave the ball away.

Safe to say Jose Mourinho has plenty of tactical adjustments to make following this midweek loss. The center midfield, the spine of so many of his successful teams, may be the first place to start.